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7.6.12

While it was rather rainy, miserable-looking, and colder outside, it was actually a good thing, considering that we were all still severely jet lagged and my younger sister was still finding a way to adjust to the time change. We were able to get some more groceries and while that sound perfectly boring and could possibly induce a good nap, it always proves to be an adventure. Why, you may ask? For one thing, there are an endless supply of delicious food. Not only that, but it has Fanta (the good kind, not the chemicalized American version), fresh bread and croissants, chocolate, pastries, dairy product. I wish I could eat all the food that was there! Secondly, the food is written in German and French, so I am always having to brush up on my French in order to know what I'm eating. Needless to say, it's never boring. Afterward, we stopped at a local pastry shop, Stahli, and picked up some yummy treats that made my stomach smile all day. Then, we stopped for some wood-smoked pizza. It was a lovely dining experience and it's no wonder we always eat there whenever we come here.

On a side note, I've been watching videos on YouTube on how to develop a British-English accent and I have received helpful hints on practicing British phonetics. I'm hoping that I'll eventually become proficient in it. If any of you have any tips, I'd love to hear them.

6.6.12

Well, it's about time. The day had finally come and everyone was excited to go. We spent the several hours before arriving at the airport to get everything done, make sure the last things we needed we packed, and organized to make sure it didn't pass the weight limit. To the drive to Toronto, I noticed there was severe-looking clouds, but I figured it wouldn't be such a bad thing. However, when we arrive at the airport and managed to get 2 buggies to load our luggage (5 people with each luggage plus 5 carry-ons) to load in the plane. One problem: our luggage each were at 5 kilos over the limit. We originally thought that the limit was 23 kg, but it's 20 kg. And the alleged charge is $100 per bag per person. So, 25 minutes and another carry-on later, we finally managed to enter our gate. During the short waiting time, an Emirates airbus e380 arrived close to the terminal and it was truly a sight to see. Shortly after, boarding began.

The flight provided edible food and carbonated beverage. However, 40 minutes into the flight, we began to experience severe turbulence for a good 20 minutes. A little bit of turbulence is somewhat expected flying overseas, but when I noticed it didn't stop and it was actually getting worse, I took action (pray) and it calmed down shortly after and I even managed to fall asleep for 3 hours. (Prayer does work, people.)

When we finally touched down in Zurich, it was like visiting an old friend. We retrieved our luggage, got the car, and drove down to Bahnhofstrasse to denumb our legs and bottoms. Walking for a while, we realized how hungry we really were (since none of us really ate on the plane), we decided to eat at Manora. That concept is so smart and the food is delicious, I may never want to eat at another American franchise again. But, that's another rant for another time. Having the orange Fanta, croissants, and Kinder pingu was more delicious than another dessert I've tasted in a long time. With jet lag quickly setting in, set off and left Zurich to drive near Flums to our apartment. It wasn't long before everyone plopped on the bed and fell asleep faster than it took for our bodies to land on the bed.

1.6.12

I have not been posting recently since I need to finish an online course in half the time allotted so I can leave for Europe without struggling to find an internet connection to finish a discussion post or submit an essay. Rather, I figured, that if I finished much earlier, I would have peace regarding the whole matter. Plus, that way, I can actually enjoying my time abroad without thinking of assignment. It's much better that way.

However, because I have essentially committed four weeks to nothing than reading the course material and submitting the assignments at a rapid speed, I have not managed to pack a single thing. That may not be the best thing considering I have to sort out through my wardrobe and decide what pieces I need to bring and what will suffice for a month. This proves to be a laborious process since I have absolutely no idea what I'm dressing for. While a fraction of time will be spent behaving as a tourist, the rest of the time, I'll doing what exactly? Furthermore, the weather is fickle, prompting the wise idea to pack some warmer clothes as well. I'm sure I'll get to it eventually. And by eventually, I mean tomorrow since I leave in 3 days and I haven't picked a single thing.

What I have managed to do is compile a playlist. One is for when I am brimming with energy and am ready to explore and another is for when a more mellow tone is needed.

What I have managed to pack (albeit meagrely) is the reading material, a handful of shoes, and my Gilmore girls collection to provide an oasis from the long car rides. At least it's a start. It's better than nothing, right?